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Being without beginning and being devoid of (any) alities, the Supreme Self, imperishable, though dwelling in the body, O Arjuna, neither acts nor is tainted.

Being without beginning and without qualities, this supreme self is imperishable. Though dwelling in the body, son of Kunti, it neither acts nor is tainted.

Krishna explains why the supreme self is unaffected. It has no beginning, and it is beyond the qualities (guṇa) of nature, so it does not decay. Though it lives within the body, it neither performs actions nor is stained by them. The word lipyate, is smeared or tainted, suggests something that cannot stick. Whatever the body and mind do, good or bad, does not cling to the inmost self. This is not permission for careless action, but a description of the self's true nature, which right knowledge uncovers and right conduct supports.